The Horseshoe & Castle Rochester  Exterior photoThe Horseshoe & Castle Rochester  Room photoThe Horseshoe & Castle Rochester  Exterior photo

The Horseshoe & Castle - 4-Star Hotel in Rochester (Kent)

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Check rooms and rates
From$201 /night
Check-in
30May
Check-out
31May
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Main Road, Cooling, Rochester (Kent), true
-
Close to Rochester Castle
Perfect
9.1
9.2
/10
4.8
4.7
/5

Dining & Breakfast

The on-site restaurant serves freshly prepared dishes made from local ingredients, including a diverse menu with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Breakfast offers cooked-to-order selections from a Full English/Irish or vegetarian menu, served efficiently by the fire. The bar stocks local craft beer selections, and the hotel hosts annual gourmet events showcasing creative modern dining experiences.

Accommodations

Rooms include a self-contained cottage with full kitchen facilities for longer stays, plus king rooms with en-suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. Each room has a kettle, wardrobe, and memory foam pillows available upon request. The stable cottage offers a private courtyard area and all the essentials for self-catering breaks.

Location & Activities

The hotel sits in the rural village of Cooling, a 9-minute walk from Cooling Castle Barn, a venue for weddings and events. Guests can access hiking, cycling, and fishing directly from the property, with Eastcourt Meadows Country Park nearby. Historic Chatham Dockyard is 14 km away, and Rochester Castle is 11 km from the hotel.

Services & Amenities

Free on-site parking is available for all guests, with accessible parking spaces provided. The hotel offers a cozy outdoor terrace for relaxation and gatherings, plus CCTV in common areas and smoke alarms throughout. Guest rooms include slippers, free toiletries, and a tea/coffee maker with wine or champagne available at the bar.

Pet-Friendly & Family

The hotel provides pet bowls for dogs, and the pub welcomes well-behaved dogs on seat blankets. Family-friendly amenities include spacious rooms, board games available in the pub, and customizable meal options for children. The self-catering cottage offers extra space and a private courtyard for families attending weddings at Cooling Castle Barn.

Highlights

Location: 9-minute walk from Cooling Castle Barn

Dining: Cooked-to-order breakfast and local craft beers

Rooms: Self-contained cottage with full kitchen

Activities: Hiking, cycling, fishing on-site

Pet-Friendly: Pet bowls and dog-friendly pub

“A modern finish graces the rooms, many featuring picturesque countryside views, creating a clean and comfortable base. The charm of the country pub below, with its accommodating hosts and delicious food, complements the well-appointed accommodations, particularly for those attending local events.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at 4shotels

Select your room type

The Horseshoe & Castle offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
King Room
2 persons
20 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
One-Bedroom House
2 persons
12 m²
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Horseshoe & Castle offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.1/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At The Horseshoe & Castle, guests are invited to indulge in the rich tapestry of British and local seafood delights. This family-friendly venue combines traditional charm with culinary diversity, offering a welcoming atmosphere for everyone after a match or during a leisurely lunch.
The Horseshoe & Castle Rochester  Restaurant photo

The Horseshoe & Castle

British and Seafood
Ambiance
Cozy and traditional, perfect for families and friends to gather.
Key Offerings
Savor popular pub favorites, signature burgers, and a gourmet five-course meal that elevates post-match dining. A special Sunday menu highlights beloved classics.
Reservation
Reservations recommended.
Lunch from 12:00 to 14:30 and Dinner from 18:00 to 20:30; extended hours on Friday and Saturday until 20:30, with Sunday hours from 12:00 to 17:00.

The Horseshoe & Castle Location

Main Road, Cooling, Rochester (Kent), true
Explore Rochester (Kent)
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Cooling Castle
8 minutes' walk
A historic fortification featuring beautiful gardens and architecture, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Northward Hill Nature Reserve
15 minutes' walk
A serene nature reserve ideal for birdwatching and scenic walks, showcasing diverse wildlife.
U-475 Black Widow Russian Submarine
10-minute drive
An intriguing WWII submarine, offering a unique glimpse into naval history with guided tours available.
Esplanade Gardens
6-minute drive
Beautifully landscaped gardens featuring a playground, suitable for families and casual strolls.
Discover the local attractions near The Horseshoe & Castle
Explore the nearby landmarks that provide unique experiences near Horseshoe And Castle in Rochester (Kent)
Ideal for exploring historical architecture: Cooling Castle
Great for quiet reflection in a serene environment: Church Of St Helen
Perfect for appreciating local history and culture: St James' Church Cooling
Well suited for nature walks and wildlife observation: Buckland Lake Reserve
Best for leisurely strolls and picnics: Esplanade Gardens
Ideal for birdwatching and enjoying nature: Cliffe Pools
Great for history enthusiasts and panoramic views: Cliffe Fort
Works well for unique maritime history exploration: U-475 Black Widow Russian Submarine
Birdwatching at RSPB Northward Hill
15 minutes' walk
A peaceful spot for nature lovers, offering trails and hides for observing birds in their natural habitat.
Biking at Buckland Lake Reserve
30-minute walk
Enjoy a biking adventure around scenic trails; bike rentals can be found nearby.
Relaxation at Local Spas
15-minute drive
Local spas offer various treatments, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating after a day of exploring.
Hiking at Cliffe Pools
40-minute walk
A thrilling hike through diverse landscapes, known for its rich wildlife and beautiful views.
The Horseshoe & Castle
1 minute' walk
A cozy pub serving traditional British fare with a warm atmosphere; known for its Sunday roasts.
The Anchor at High Halstow
7-minute drive
A charming eatery offering a menu of local ingredients and craft beers in a relaxed setting.
Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant
10-minute drive
A family-friendly spot featuring authentic Italian dishes, ideal for pizza and pasta lovers. Reservations advisable.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
15-minute drive
An interactive maritime museum with events like guided tours and family activities year-round.
Medway Queen
15-minute drive
A restored paddle steamer offering varied experiences, including historical tours and themed events.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Rochester (Kent) 12 min  ·  7.8 km
  • Airports
    London City (LCY) 82 min  ·  54.4 km
    London Southend (SEN) 109 min  ·  72.2 km
  • Train
    Higham Train Station 9 min  ·  5.6 km
    Strood Kent Train Station 11 min  ·  7 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 29 min  ·  2.4 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 13:00-21:30
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel The Horseshoe & Castle guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
17

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Horseshoe & Castle from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 114 verified reviews
9.0 /10
Perfect
92 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.5/10
Comfort
9.5/10
Facilities
9.1/10
Free WiFi
7.5/10
Location
8.9/10
Staff
9.7/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Excellent food
Friendly staff
Clean accommodation
Convenient location
Cons
Slow service
Room maintenance issues
Noise disturbances
Value concerns
Guest reviews
based on 186 reviews
9.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About The Horseshoe & Castle
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Horseshoe & Castle?
Check-in is from 13:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
Is parking available at The Horseshoe & Castle?
Free private parking is available on-site.
What breakfast options are offered at The Horseshoe & Castle?
Guests can enjoy a Full English/Irish or vegetarian breakfast.
How far is The Horseshoe & Castle from Rochester Castle?
The Horseshoe & Castle is located 11 km from Rochester Castle.
What nearby attractions can visitors explore when staying at The Horseshoe & Castle?
Nearby attractions include Cooling Castle Barn (650 m), Historic Chatham Dockyard (14 km), and Eastcourt Meadows Country Park.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at The Horseshoe & Castle?
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, wardrobe, kettle, private bathroom, shower, and free toiletries.
What dining options are available at The Horseshoe & Castle?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving a variety of locally sourced home-cooked dishes.
What recreational activities can guests enjoy at The Horseshoe & Castle?
Guests can enjoy activities like hiking, cycling, and horseback riding in the surrounding area.
How far is The Horseshoe & Castle from London City Airport?
The property is located 53 km from London City Airport.
Is Wi-Fi available at The Horseshoe & Castle?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

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